Review Summary: Bleeding potential, Trophy Eyes prove in 5 songs that they could be the next big thing.
Everything Goes Away, a 5-song EP that came out of nowhere, is a masterclass, highly original blend of melodic hardcore and (pop) punk, proving that Trophy Eyes have the chops for great things to come. Sort of Touché Amoré, by way of The Story So Far, Trophy Eyes came along at just the right time, when the overlapping territory between hardcore and pop punk was up for grabs. No other band has pushed the envelope of both genres, complimenting the rather simple and familiar chords and patterns/tendencies of pop punk, with the uncompromising ferocity, speed, and abrasiveness of melodic hardcore acts like Defeater and Touché Amoré.
First off, the production of the EP is RIDICULOUS. For a hardcore sound, EGA is crisp beyond belief. The clarity cannot be overstated, the guitars are bright and punchy, and drums are lightning fast, yet still very clear, and the vocals, while needing some time to get acquainted with, are pleasantly hard-hitting. During the first few listens, I found moments of "May 24" to be vocally unpleasant, and "Fortunate" seemed impenetrable at first. Incidentally, those two became my favorite tracks off the EP. ("Fortunate" would probably make my Top 5 list of this year.)
I'm convinced that the biggest reason you'll want to listen to Everything Goes Away is to hear the new genre that it paves. Blending the best aspects of hardcore, punk, and pop punk, the hardcore elements are more akin to the new "Wave" genre of melodic hardcore, and the songwriting and lyricism of upper echelon pop-punk. Such Gold had the potential to be the fathers of hardcore infused pop punk, but failed to capitalize. For those who wish Hardcore was less frantic and more emotive, and pop-punk was more aggressive and inventive, Trophy Eyes are who you are looking for.
"May 24" is a great opener to Trophy Eyes' discography, succeeding lyrically and musically. The lyrics talk of a childhood friend falling to drugs, and is well said. Both "May 24" and "Cutting Teeth" have great lyrics. From "Cutting Teeth"......... "I watched a moth fight the rain, for a second of light. Makes me think what am I doing with my life." The lyrics on the rest of the EP are adequate enough, and do not detract in the slightest. They successfully serve to reinforce the intensity of the music, for example, in "Fortunate"..........."I'm not going anywhere. I've fought so hard just to stand here." The defiant nature of Trophy Eyes gives them the confidence to command their listener with ease.
With their upcoming debut full length, let's hope Australia's Trophy Eyes can utilize the talent present in their ranks, and produce their own Upsides. I cannot wait to come back to Everything Goes Away after a while. With that said, there is a magic in my ripe 19 years of age that makes Everything Goes Away all that more special.
